Lahanis edge Vipers by 2

 By ZACHERY PER

THE Goroka Lahanis came from behind to narrowly beat Port Moresby Vipers 22-20 in Goroka yesterday.

The home side did not get on the scoreboard until the end of the first half when reserve Supa Kokote ran through a gap to score a converted try to trial 16-6 at half time.

It was all Vipers affair in the first stanza where forward Sebastine Pandia opened the scoring.

Pandia’s own conversion attempt failed putting the visitors in front 4-0.

Lahanis tried hard through skipper Nicko Ubile, vice-captain Joseph Peter, fullback Adex Wera and halves Casey Frank and Robin Soga, their efforts went begging as Vipers winger Gary Lo scored in the right corner.

Conversion attempt went begging for an 8-0 lead.

The visitors continued their onslaught when referee Wayne Wool penalised Lahanis in f their 20m zone for an infringement.

Stanley Torato for Vipers easily collected two points to further the lead 10-0.

The snakes continued their onslaught when a chip and chase by halfback Sebulan Ragi resulted in a converted try to Michael Mark that put them into a  comfortable 16-0 lead with the halftime minutes away.

However, Lahanis managed to get the last word in through Supa Kokote, Peter converted to trail by 10 points. 

Peter lead with aggression to score an unconverted try for the host at the start of the second half that narrowed the gap to six points.

Vipers experienced rake Charlie Wabo quickly replied with a try following good ball work to extend the lead 20-10.

Lahanis in-form player Bernard Tatsim scored a converted try for the home side that got the homeside to within four at 16-20.

The half became an arm-wrestle as each side tried to pull the trigger but mistakes, poor options and good defence kept the scoreboard unchanged. 

Lahanis winger Spiro Mikaive broke the lull with a converted try to give his side the lead for the first time at 22-20.

They held on until the full-time hooter.